The AUV Sirius has completed surveys offshore of Bateman’s Bay as part of bi-annual surveys associated with the IMOS AUV Facility program.  The surveys targeted reefs surveyed in 2010 and 2012 and will help scientists from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales in tracking changes in kelp dominated benthic habitats at these sites.

Oscar, Ari, Michael and Stefan were part of a team surveying Trimodal reef at Lizard Island Research Station.  The objective was to produce a complete, 3D texture-mapped model of the reef covering approximately 5000 sq. m.  We are working with scientists from St. Andrew’s in Scotland, Macquarie University and James Cook University.  The scientists have been studying the site for in excess of 10 years.  This is the first time they will have a comprehensive map of the reef with which to study detailed coral species interactions.  We are also revisiting sites surveyed immediately following Cyclone Ita in April 2014 to assess the extent of recovery of these reefs.  Repeat surveys at sites around the island will allow scientists to investigate how different parts of the reef have recovered.

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